The FTSE small cap index and junior-listed AIM shares shed0.2 percent and 0.1 percent respectively, outperforming the mid-caps,off 0.9 percent, and the blue chips, 0.8 percent weaker.
Ferrex gains 9.5 percent on positive initial drilling results fromthe Mebaga iron ore project in Gabon late on Friday.
"These results and those previously reported support the company's beliefthat Mebaga has the potential to host a significant iron ore deposit," notesfinnCap analyst Martin Potts, reiterating a 10.4 pence price target on the stock- implying an upside of nearly four times current levels.
Shares in Modern Water rise 15.8 percent after the owner of freshwater production technologies signs three strategic contracts during a UKgovernment mission to China.
Reuters messaging rm://antonina.vorobyova.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net($1 = 0.7345 euros)